Colorful poster of an elderly man with a long white beard, sunglasses, and a cap, set against a cityscape with domed buildings and a sunset. Thai text at the top and bottom of the poster.

Creative Director · Brand Architect · Design Leader · Founder, Black Irish
Remote-first | U.S. & International | Full-Time, Fractional & Consulting Roles

  • CREATIVE DIRECTION

  • PACKAGE DESIGN

  • BRAND DESIGN

  • VIDEO EDITING

  • CREATIVE STRATEGY

  • WEB DESIGN

  • AI DIRECTION

Handwritten text that reads: "To Life, Welcome" in white on a black background.

“Always irreverent, Never irrelevant.”

A black and white abstract geometric logo with interlocking shapes forming a symmetrical pattern.
Signature of Shaun O'Rourke in cursive on a black background.

from Vision to Market-Ready Brand.

shaping identities, campaigns, and visual systems with precision, taste, and measurable impact.

Award-winning Creative Director and Brand Strategy leader who transforms ambiguity into market-ready brands, products, and experiences that drive measurable business results.

Founder of Black Irish, a remote-first creative studio trusted by startups through Fortune 500s to deliver Creative Direction, Visual Identity Systems, and Go-To-Market Creative that converts vision into revenue. Shaun helps ambitious teams transform complex ideas into polished, persuasive experiences.

What sets Shaun apart: Senior-level strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution and zero ego. Known for Cross-Functional Collaboration that unites design, product, engineering, and marketing teams around a shared vision and then delivering on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.

CREATIVE DIRECTION -

ART DIRECTION -

GRAPHIC DESIGN -

PACKAGE DESIGN -

WEB DESIGN -

BRAND DESIGN -

LOGO DESIGN -

AI DESIGN -

ILLUSTRATION -

VIDEO EDITING -

PHOTOGRAPHY -

P.O.S DESIGN -

ARE YOU STILL READING THESE? .

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CREATIVE DIRECTION - ART DIRECTION - GRAPHIC DESIGN - PACKAGE DESIGN - WEB DESIGN - BRAND DESIGN - LOGO DESIGN - AI DESIGN - ILLUSTRATION - VIDEO EDITING - PHOTOGRAPHY - P.O.S DESIGN - ARE YOU STILL READING THESE? . ................................

A circular logo with the words 'ORGANIC', 'FREE RANGE', and 'DESIGN', arranged around the edge. The center features the text 'Free Range' in a cursive font.

creative sovereignty

Ready to create something you'll be proud to call your own and stand behind? Whether you're just starting out or taking things to the next level for your brand, I bring everything you need to connect, engage, and make something truly memorable, and worth experiencing.

SOME PAST CLIENTS

A collection of various brand logos arranged on a black background, including Anheuser-Busch, Appleton Estate Rum, Aviation American Gin, Bacardi, Botany Barn, Burger King, Disaronno, ESPN, Leblon, Pernod Ricard, Pfizer, Plymouth Gin, Resurgent Whiskeys, Revivalist Garden Gin, Stoli, Sobieski, Tia Maria, Tyk Ku, USA Network, and VDKA 6100.

HERCULES MULLIGAN

CASE STUDY

A black and white logo for Hercules Mulligan featuring a pair of scissors, a sewing needle, and a thimble, with the text "Hercules M" in the center, and phrases "Your Secret" and "Is Safe With Me" around the design.
A black and white logo for Hercules Mulligan featuring a pair of scissors, a sewing needle, and a thimble, with the text "Hercules M" in the center, and phrases "Your Secret" and "Is Safe With Me" around the design.
A dark, rainy street scene with cobblestone pavement, flanked by brick buildings with lit wall-mounted lamps, and a large black bottle of Hercules Mulligan Rum & Rye in the foreground, droplets of water on the bottle, under a stormy sky.
Open packaging box displaying Hercules Mulligan branded whisky, a booklet, two shot glasses, and a bottle of whisky, with a red patterned interior
Portrait of a man with long hair, dressed in a beige jacket, decorated with various buttons and patches, including a red star face paint over his right eye, and a skull design on his left chest, set against a dark background.
Vintage illustration of a Revolutionary War scene with a woman passing out rum and rye, and a poster that says 'Rebel with a Cause!' with a bottle of Hercules Gilligan dark rum in the foreground.
A dark bottle of Hercules Mulligan Rum & Rye on a wooden table near a window with sunlight streaming in. The table has various objects, including a yellow cloth, earrings, and kitchen utensils.
A framed poster of George Washington Stardust with his face painted in a lightning bolt makeup, wearing a starry-patterned jacket.
Two cans of Hercules Mulligan Rum & Rye whiskey with a historical tavern scene in the background, featuring a fireplace and men dressed in 18th-century attire
A black bottle of Hercules Mulligan Rum & Rye standing on a dark wooden surface next to an ornate black table lamp with a dark gray shade. The bottle label includes the name, ingredients, proof, alcohol content, and volume information. The background features a dark interior with vertical stripes and reflection of a leather armchair.
A torn paper background with the text 'The New York Times' at the top, a quote about quality and a blend of rums and American ryes in the middle, a gold

"-one of those rare talents who can translate strategy into world-class creative with clarity, taste, and consistency." - Steve Luttmann - C.E.O. Brands & Ventures........................

"-one of those rare talents who can translate strategy into world-class creative with clarity, taste, and consistency." - Steve Luttmann - C.E.O. Brands & Ventures........................

HARD CUT VODKA

CASE STUDY

Black and white image of mountains with dark clouds above, featuring a graphic for a vodka brand with the text "HARD CUT" and "VODKA" and a badge in the center stating "90 PROOF."
Black and white photo of a man with platinum blonde hair, wearing a white shirt, sitting on a bed with a contemplative expression, holding his face with one hand. Next to him is a large bottle of Hard Cut Vodka, a glass with ice, and a cocktail pick with olives.
A bottle of Hard Cut vodka, a glass of vodka, a glass with ice, a napkin, and a spoon on a reflective tray in a dimly lit setting.
Black and white photo of a clear liquor bottle, a cocktail glass, and a glass of ice with mint leaves, with a full moon in the night sky in the background. The liquor bottle has dark caps, and the cocktail glass has an 'HARD GUT' label on it.
A clear glass bottle of Hard Cut Vodka with a black label, silver cap, and embossed logo on the front. The label indicates 45% alcohol by volume and 700ml size.
A clear glass bottle of Hard Cut Vodka with a black label, silver cap, and embossed logo on the front. The label indicates 45% alcohol by volume and 700ml size.
Close-up of a transparent glass bottle against a black background, showing the embossed brand logo on the front.
Two people clinking cocktail glasses filled with a carbonated drink over a bubble-filled bathtub against a tiled wall.

“He has a great sense of the now as well as being able to bring originality to any project.” - James Tzyuki- C.T.O. at Inzo Evoke..............................

“He has a great sense of the now as well as being able to bring originality to any project.” - James Tzyuki- C.T.O. at Inzo Evoke..............................

READY TO DRINK BEVERAGES

Colorful cans of Pompette sparkling drinks are lined up on a stone surface overlooking a scenic harbor with boats, palm trees, and pastel-colored buildings in the background.
A green can of Revivallist Garden Spritz sparkling wine cocktail with orange liqueur and gin, covered in water droplets, placed on a wooden surface outdoors during sunset, with a floral garden and garden arch in the blurred background.
Three colorful cans of  MINGLE mocktail drinks with various citrus fruits and berries in front, set against a blue sky background.
Three bottles of Shamanic Tonic Superherbs flavor drinks with metal caps, one gold, one brass, and one bronze, set in a lush jungle background. The bottles are covered in condensation and surrounded by green plants and flowers.
Four bottles of Palo Root Tea herbal tea flavored drinks with mountain and lush green forest background, droplets of condensation on bottles, labels indicating flavors: Original, Mango, Coconut, Unsweetened.
Four colorful cans of Betty Brews alcoholic beverages are displayed on a rustic outdoor table, with glasses of wine and a silver ice bucket in the background. The cans are in front of a blurred group of people socializing in a garden setting.
Two cans of Joey's Cold Brew with CBD placed on coffee beans with green leaves in the foreground, mountains and sky in the background.
Four bottles of Froze frozen cocktails with flavors including strawberry, watermelon, peach, and ruby red grapefruit, placed in ice with a beach and ocean in the background.
A can of Aviation American Gin Smash placed on an airplane runway with hangars and vintage airplanes in the background, under a dark cloudy sky.

“patient, professional and was able to convert my vision and crazy ideas to reality.” - Laura Taylor - Founder, C.E.O. of Mingle Mocktails......................................................

“patient, professional and was able to convert my vision and crazy ideas to reality.” - Laura Taylor - Founder, C.E.O. of Mingle Mocktails......................................................

LIQUEURS & SPECIALTY SPIRITS

A large bottle of Kleos The Mastiha Spirit on a stone table outdoors at sunset, with a scenic view of the ocean, trees, and pink flowers in the background, surrounded by lemons, olives, and glassware.
A bottle of Cedilla liqueur and a cocktail glass with blueberries and ice against a sunset over a coastal city and mountains with a crescent moon in the sky.
A can of Colt 45 whiskey on a wooden table inside a rustic cabin, with a window showing trees and mountains in the background.
A bottle of Deer’s Lair barrel aged Genever style gin with a landscape painting in the background.
A bottle of UNTITLED by Joel Stein Spiced Mezcal, alongside its presentation box and a wooden case with a booklet.
Three bottles of Hot Toddy syrup labeled ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric on a wooden table in a cozy cabin with a fireplace and snowy window in the background, and a steaming mug of hot tea or whiskey in front of the bottles.
A green background with two bottles of Brazilian alcoholic beverage GL'AMOUR, a martini glass garnished with starfruit, a starfruit, and a sign displaying the product name and details.

“-a solution oriented artist with a unique vision that is valuable to any business.” - Darryl Baker - Creative Director/Product Developer..........................

“-a solution oriented artist with a unique vision that is valuable to any business.” - Darryl Baker - Creative Director/Product Developer..........................

BAHNBRECKER SPIRITS

A bottle of Bahnbräcker Slow River Blend Mefeweizen Whiskey set in a shallow river during sunset with trees and foliage in the background.
A bottle of Bahnbrecker Tequila Infusion on a wooden table, surrounded by six shot glasses filled with a pale yellow liquid, lime wedges, and whole limes. The table is outdoors in a field of agave plants with mountains and a sunset in the background.
A bottle of Bahnbrecker Hefeweizen Whiskey with limes and shot glasses on a cooler, set against a river scene with people floating on inner tubes and boats in the background.

“He gets the ‘big picture’ while being very detail-oriented.” - Alyssa Sears Burgoyne- Founder AdVenturesAcademy................................

“He gets the ‘big picture’ while being very detail-oriented.” - Alyssa Sears Burgoyne- Founder AdVenturesAcademy................................

BEERS & CIDER

A bottle of Saddle River beer standing in a river with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
A bottle of Arena beer outdoors in a forested area during sunset, with a group of people and a barbecue grill in the blurry background.
A bottle of Lemont & Wood European Style Heirloom Cider placed on a wooden surface with an apple orchard in the background during sunset.
A bottle of Harlem Blue Hectic IPA beer on a metal fire escape balcony at night with a full moon and lit buildings in the background.
Three bottles of Harlem Blue premium beer on a wet wooden bench in an outdoor park setting with trees and buildings in the background, each with a creative label and a speaker drone head sticker near the cap.
A bottle of Fat Gnome beer with a gnome illustration on the label, placed on a wooden table outdoors near a campfire at dusk, with pine tree branches in the foreground.

I've yet to find an office that can contain me. Organic, Free-Range design..................

I've yet to find an office that can contain me. Organic, Free-Range design..................

consumer packaged goods

Three cans of Tayst coffee roast with a mountain landscape background, scattered coffee beans, and a spoonful of beans on a wooden surface.
Package of TAYS T Bold Dream sustainable coffee among roasted coffee beans with a coffee pod in front, set outdoors with tea plants and hills in the background.
Three containers of Olivia LaBomba extra-virgin olive oil, including a small can with a green handle, a large can, and a tall glass bottle, all with red labels and gold accents, set on a wooden surface with green olives and leaves at the bottom.
Six jars of salad dressings and condiments arranged on a wooden surface, with fresh tomatoes, basil, and salad greens nearby, set outdoors with trees in the background.
Assorted herbal powders and spices in front of three PlantMedic organic powders: Moringa Oleifera, Turmeric, and Maca Root, with decorative jars and herbs surrounding them.
A clear glass bottle of Bluezone water on a pebble beach at sunset, with a calm body of water and palm trees in the background.
Five bottles of Coya mineral water lined up at sunset beside a pool, with palm trees in the background.

AIRSPACE CRAFT CANNABIS

A can of Airspace craft cannabis with a lit joint placed on top of it, emitting smoke, on a metallic surface.
Four cans of AIRSPACE cannabis-infused drinks with different flavors and labels, set against a sky background with clouds. The flavors are Take Off, Peak Altitude, Soft Landing, and Night Flight, each with distinct colors and themes.
Packaging of Airspace Peak Altitude hybrid cannabis infused products, including pre-roll cones, mints, and a hybrid cannabis infused shot, with a background of clouds and a green banner labeled 'Hybrid.'
Package of Airspace Hybrid Craft Cannabis with peak altitude flavor, containing four pre-rolls with 1 gram per roll, THC content 22%, and featuring indica/sativa hybrid strain. Background shows cannabis plant stems and smoke.
A box of Airspace craft cannabis with a sky background and clouds, and the slogan 'Rise Through Friendly Skies' at the bottom.
Two tins of Airspace brand craft cannabis flavored mints, labeled 'Soft Landing' with 100 mg THC per tin and 40 pieces per container. One tin is closed, and the other is open, showing round, pale yellow mints inside.
Collection of Airspace cannabis products including cans of infused mints, pre-roll cones, a vaporizer, and packaging, set on a pale surface.
Four amber glass dropper bottles with black caps and white labels displaying the brand name Airspace, each labeled with different cannabis strains and types, against a cloudy sky background.
A sign with the words 'AIRSPACE BRAND' at the top, a graphic of a blimp with a sunburst behind it in the middle, and the phrase 'Craft Cannabis' at the bottom, set against a background of cloudy sky.

Everyone has ideas. Some people know how to make them come to life..................

Everyone has ideas. Some people know how to make them come to life..................

VIDEO EDITING & STORYTELLING

Have you ever met someone so totally free that you finally see the bars surrounding you? Those are my favorite kind of people............

Have you ever met someone so totally free that you finally see the bars surrounding you? Those are my favorite kind of people............

THE CORPORATE AMERICA REMIX PROJECT

Past Projects

Explore a curated selection of past work where concept and strategy converge with intention. Each project reflects a considered approach, balancing creative vision with practical outcomes to deliver solutions that are both thoughtful and effective.

A series of urban marketing advertisements featuring a diverse group of young adults, with the main focus on a large poster and street posters for XL energy drink, and a digital billboard showing the same XL ad, set against urban backgrounds and sunset views.
A series of four urban-themed sneaker advertisements featuring models and stylized backgrounds, with the Sneaux and Lugz logos, showcasing different sneakers.
A collage of various city and landscape photographs, including a sunset at the beach, a drug store, a canal with boats, a green tram, a city skyline with high-rise buildings, a railway with trains, a view of an interior courtyard of a building, and a winding rural road.
Display of digital media devices showcasing theatrical and art event graphics, including a smartphone with animated artwork, a tablet with a theater stage, and a computer monitor with framed art referencing Harlem art and culture.

CORE EXPERTISE & ATS KEYWORDS

Creative Direction · Brand Strategy · Art Direction · Visual Identity Systems · Design Leadership · Cross-Functional Collaboration · Product Storytelling · Go-To-Market Creative · UX/UI Collaboration · Digital Design · Design Systems · Remote Team Leadership · Stakeholder Alignment · Concept-to-Launch Execution · Brand Architecture · Creative Strategy · Visual Design · Team Leadership · Project Management · Marketing Collaboration